Santa Cruz, CA - John Garamendi, the Lieutenant Governor of California, announced his endorsement of Emily Reilly today. Reilly is running for State Assembly in the 27th district, which includes parts of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara counties.

"Emily Reilly will be a great advocate in Sacramento for the people of the 27th district. Her knowledge, experience and commitment to important issues like universal health care and a 'green' California make her ideally suited to serve in the State Assembly," Garamendi said.

Garamendi served as the California Insurance Commissioner prior to his election as Lieutenant Governor. He has also served as the Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, and as a member of the California State Assembly and State Senate.

"I am honored to receive the Lieutenant Governor Garamendi's endorsement," said Reilly. "With over thirty years of public service, John Garamendi is a proven leader in forging solutions to our state's most critical challenges. I look forward to working with him in Sacramento for a cleaner environment, universal healthcare, and improving our schools."

Reilly is a member of the Santa Cruz City Council and a former two-term Mayor. The Assembly seat is currently held by John Laird, who is termed out in January 2009.

See a complete list of Emily's endorsements here.